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An original 7x5" antique photo from a large archive of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus photos acquired from the estate of a collector. This is a unique antique/vintage silver gelatin photograph -- it is not a modern print. Professionally packaged in a rigid mailer for safe delivery.
Photo Overview
A proud line of eleven richly caparisoned elephants from the combined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus trundles east along Pine Street in downtown Abilene, Texas, c. 1913, greeted by hundreds of townspeople in straw boaters and long summer dresses. Spectators crowd the awning of J. W. Miller Groceries & Grain, while early automobiles and horse-drawn wagons park beneath the tall “Abilene Furniture Co. – House Furnishers and Undertakers” sign. This crisp, silver-gelatin photograph was taken by itinerant circus photographer P. M. McClintock and captures the excitement of the circus street parade on its only documented visit to Abilene before World War I.
Parades like this were the circus’s moving billboard; the elephant herd, introduced by P. T. Barnum in the 1880s, became a living symbol of “The Greatest Show on Earth.” By 1913 the show traveled on 89 railroad cars and drew crowds rivaling a city’s entire population. Few images survive that so clearly show the parade, period vehicles, and commercial signs of a booming West Texas cattle town—making this an irresistible, conversation-starting display piece for collectors. Own a slice of Americana today; once it’s gone, it’s gone!
Text Present
Front, painted sign on building: “ABILENE FURNITURE CO. HOUSE FURNISHERS AND UNDERTAKERS”
Front, painted sign on balcony: “J. W. MILLER, GROCERIES & GRAIN”
Front, sign on shed: “HOT BARBECUE”
Back, handwritten: “Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show On Earth.”
Back, blue stamp: “Credit P. M. McCLINTOCK P.O. Box 4 N.E. Detroit, Mich.”
Condition: Good to very good vintage condition. Please see photos for scans of the surface. Photo may have natural curling or other imperfections from age.
